Storage bag for extra line

We have too many lines on this boat!!  We had brought some from home since we weren't really sure what was left on the boat.  We really shouldn't have!!  There are many sets of dock lines and old halyards, etc on board.

So this box of lines really didn't have a "home" on the boat.  And space is at a premium!

There is a space at the aft end of the boat, but this box is too big to fit....the solution would be something more flexible.  Like a bag.

Fortunately, the previous owner left some old mesh material window covers on the boat.  I was going to throw them out, but they were perfect for making a big bag for these lines!

Duane gave me the approximate measurements.  I took a couple of the old window covers and just started cutting out rectangle pieces.  Nothing had to be precise since this is just a utility bag.

 I just started sewing the pieces together using my heavy duty sewing machine and extra strong thread.

Making the "box".

I doubled the zig-zag seams for durability.

Turned inside-out

And installed some beefy handles.

The finished bag in use.   It worked well and best of all, it was basically free!

More chores!

Progress is being made! 

We spend every day getting things checked off the list....

Loading up the boat with groceries is quite a chore!   We're trying to have staple provisions on board for a couple of months.  It will be a pain to lug groceries to the boat as we travel without a rental car.

This is the first of 3 cartloads!

This is the picture of the dinghy from the ad for the boat.  We were given the bare dinghy without the "chaps" (the sunbrella fabric UV cover).  The chaps were in a cabinet on the boat. 

So I pulled out the chaps and looked them over.  Unfortunately, they're a little worse for wear since this photo! 

There was a large area that was worn thru. 

Fortunately, the previous owners had left some extra matching sunbrella fabric on board.  I made a long narrow patch.

And sewed it in place.  I'm sure I'll be doing more of that as some of the fabric looks pretty worn.

But overall, it will be a nice method of transport!

Another chore

The to-do list is getting smaller!

The slip-resistant area at the boarding ladder was worn out....luckily we already had the solution from the previous catamaran.  So, for once, a chore that didn't require a trip to the hardware store!  Just taped off the shape.

Painted a couple of coats of the rubberized "Skid-No-More" paint with "sand".

Eight hours later - cured and ready for traffic!!

Another chore

The previous owner was from San Antonio....per US Coast Guard regulations, the "home port" must be displayed on the vessel.

Of course, we'll be changing this to Oriental, NC....so San Antonio must go!

We lowered the dinghy and prepared to remove the emblem.

Using a heat gun and a bit of finesse, the letters started disappearing.

All gone!  You can still see the "shadow" of the letters - hopefully time and some rubbing compound will make it completely disappear.

Maintenance

Lot's of little things that need taking care of....one was the galley sink.  The faucet was leaking a little.  Duane tried to disassemble it, but it was corroded and refused to come apart.

So, we ordered a new one.  And a soap dispenser too since I've decided I can't live without that!

Unfortunately, the leak had gotten the countertop a bit wet...so the sink had to come out and repairs made.  (Nothing is EVER easy).  We applied some "rotten wood hardener" and some Bondo to fill some voids.  Many trips to the hardware store for supplies.....

The countertop is now dry and firm, good as new!

The new faucet.  Very nice with the pullout spray spigot.

Left to right - new faucet, filtered drinking water, and soap dispenser.

One project down, several more to go!

Just more organizing

We're busy, busy....but nothing much worth photographing.

Washed the entire boat and the dinghy.  They had not had much attention over the last 6 months!

You can see a little more of the boat now! 

 Lots more to do - getting some spare parts rounded up.....important to have them for repairs at sea!  (Hope not to use them, of course!)

Getting organized

So we're just a few days into making this boat our temporary home....and it's a bit overwhelming.!  Lots going on.  We've got a couple of contractors doing some repairs, plus we're getting everything organized in all the different lockers. 

One of the activities today was to sort out all the forward lockers.  There is an amazing number of dock lines stored....

But we'll get thru it...enjoying the 80 degrees and sunshine!!

To the boat!

We spent a few days getting everything organized for our trip back to Galveston in the rental car.... it's just amazing how much "stuff" you need on the boat.

We started piling everything we thought we would need in the basement.

And we started whittling it down to just the items that were absolutely necessary.  Amazing how quickly a Ford Edge fills up!

I won't bore you with the details.  We drove 18 hours straight thru from Pittsboro to Kemah, TX!  That included 2 significant traffic jams and 4 gas stops.  Arrived at the boat at 3AM.  We were pooped!!

Spent today just unloading the rental car - and loading up the boat!  There are several maintenance items to be taken care of.  First one was to haul Duane up the mast to remove the inoperative  steaming light.  Then, of course, a trip to West Marine for the replacement.   

Really, really love the electric winch that lets me pull Duane up the mast at the touch of a button!

Looks like we will be boat owners again

The long-awaited survey day was finally here!

Once we had the surveyor and the owner on board, we headed straightaway to Seabrook Marina for our haulout timeslot of 10AM.

Approaching the travel lift.  Our beam is 21' - the slip is just 21'6" wide - so will be a tight fit!

No problem - the folks at the marina are pros at this.

Into the straps and up she goes.

The "driver" moves the boat onto the lot for the inspection.

 Duane and the current owner discussing the boat.

The surveyor (Drake Epple) taking soundings on the hull with a hammer to verify it's integrity.

The bottom is actually pretty clean - we opted not to have it washed since power washing removes some of the protective bottom paint.

The marina workers replaced the sacrificial zincs  and we were soon moved back into position to go back in the water.

Going down....

Down.....

And back in the water!

Next we motored out for the sea trial.

Past the Kemah Boardwalk

Once we were out in Galvetson Bay, we raised the sails.  (Note the cute manta ray emblem on the sail).

We had a nice sail while the surveyor was below thoroughly inspecting the engines, etc.

Duane at the helm!

Inspection mostly complete, we head back towards the marina.

Since everything checked out well, we'll be boat owners again as soon as the paperwork is all done!

Survey tomorrow

Nothing new to report....we've spent the day getting to know the complex systems on the boat.

The view tonight from the back of the boat - we're in Waterford Marina - it's huge by our standards!

Wish us luck tomorrow morning for the survey!